HOWEVER or whichever way we put it, there is no denying that humans are affecting the planet through rampant energy consumption. Although we don’t intend to, most of us have become overly dependent on the comfort and convenience of our appliances without thought that the energy used in running these often comes from coal-burning power plants, which release massive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into our atmosphere.

Although something simple like conserving energy in our homes may not have dire global impact in saving the world, it is definitely a start in making a difference.

Households have the biggest potential for saving energy. Seemingly inconsequential ways like unplugging electrical devices after use is one way to cut back on electricity consumption. Another is by changing the lighting system in our homes, particularly incandescent light bulbs that consume lots of energy.

In 2007, President Arroyo called for a ban on incandescent light bulbs by 2010 in favor of more energy-efficient ones such as compact fluorescent lamp, or CFL, to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and household costs. Once fully implemented, the country will be the first in Asia to ban incandescent bulbs.

But what are CFLs, and how will it help in the conservation of energy?

Originally known as an energy-saver lamp, a CFL is designed as an energy-efficient, long-lasting substitute for the standard incandescent bulb. In a more compact form, it uses the same principle of the fluorescent tube in which a phosphor coating transforms some of the ultraviolet energy generated by the discharge into light.

CFLs combine the energy efficiency of fluorescent lighting with the convenience and popularity of incandescent fixtures. They work much like standard fluorescent lamps consisting of two parts: a gas-filled tube and a magnetic or electronic ballast. The gas in the tube glows with ultraviolet light when electricity from the ballast flows through it. This, in turn, excites a white phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, which emits visible light throughout the surface of the tube.

CFLs come in a variety of shapes and sizes but can fit in almost any standard lighting fixture. Incandescent lamps may be cheaper but, in the long run, CFLs generate more savings.

According to the Department of Energy, CFLs consume 70 percent to 80 percent less energy than regular light bulbs.  A 20- to 23-watt CFL can illuminate a room just as well as a 100-watt incandescent lamp.

Although CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs, they last eight to 13 times longer (about 6,000 to 10,000 hours) in contrast to incandescent, which have a product life of 750 to 1,000 hours.

Moreover, the CFL is a cool lighting system that emits lesser heat, thereby saving energy used to cool the heat generated by lighting.

To get the most savings, CFLs should replace heavily used fixtures or lamps that are kept on for at least three hours a day, such as those used in living rooms, dining areas and kitchens.

The CFL also produces maximum light output when installed in a vertical base-up position.

To ensure performance and safety, consumers are advised to purchase only CFLs with the Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks. These marks indicate that the product has undergone testing based on PNS 603:1993, which specifies the safety and interchangeability requirements, including test methods and conditions, for self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services.

(The term “self-ballasted” means the bulb is integrated into the ballast and cannot be dismantled without causing permanent damage to the product.)

The PNS requires the lamp to bear mandatory markings such as the manufacturer’s name/logo/registered trademark, rated voltage, rated wattage and rated frequency in “Hz.”

Moreover, under the Energy Labeling Program of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy, energy labels are required to be affixed to the product or the packaging. This guides consumers when shopping for energy-efficient lamps.

The energy label contains lamp specifications such as light output in lumens, power consumption in watts, efficacy in lumens per watts and average life in hours. When comparing lamps of the same output, higher efficacy means greater energy savings.

In a time when electricity has become a precious commodity, consumers are clamoring for quality and cost- effective lighting.  CFLs with the PS and ICC mark provide the answer.

The Business of Consumers: Calling on all consumers to shift to cost-effective lights

HOWEVER or whichever way we put it, there is no denying that humans are affecting the planet through rampant energy consumption.

WITH the advent of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in the country, online shopping has slowly made its way to the Filipino buying culture. Today, more and more Internet-savvy consumers are stepping into “virtual retail outlets” to find a vast collection of products, ranging from the simple to novelty, or from cheap to classy.

IN a message sent to konsyumeratbp@gmail.com, a reader inquired about his right to return a defective product.

Mr. Rommel Adolfo bought a pair of rubber shoes at a shopping center in Metro Manila. He shelled out more than P4,000 to get an original, well-known brand that he thought could last for years or at least up to its recommended 350 miles to 550 miles of use.

IT”S school time again! Some may be a little sad that the end of summer is fast approaching, while others just can’t wait to go back to school and look forward to new things: social scenes, teachers, classmates and friends.

THE back-to-school season is a stressful time for consumers—there’s tuition to take care of, uniforms to order, budgeting for daily allowance, and school supplies to purchase.